Blogging TLC: My First Home

A few weeks ago,we posted about an episode of "My First Home" that focused on San Francisco newlyweds. On Saturday, TLC returned to the Bay Area to follow an Oakland couple as they looked for a nest:

"Artists Rita and Marie want to buy a home and get married in its garden. They search the Internet and find the perfect place in Oakland, CA. After a flurry of negotiating and some bad news at the house inspection, they may just get their wish."

The narrator tells us that the couple has narrowed their search to the East Bay, partly because it's more affordable.

Median home price in San Francisco: $784,000Median home price in Oakland: $502,000

Their wish list when they meet with the real estate agent? They want 2-3 bedrooms, a family-friendly neighborhood and a backyard. Rita is a photographer, so a studio/dark room is also key.

Next, they talk to the mortgage broker. We liked that this episode delved into points and other loan issues. With a 700+ credit score and a 15-20 percent down payment, Rita and Marie are pre-approved for a $560,000 purchase.

The pair end up falling head-over-heels with the first house they see. And even after some problems come up during the inspection (e.g., a $15,000 French drain will be needed within a few years), they do indeed buy the place.

This piqued our curiosity: Have any of you experienced love at first sight with a rental or purchase? Was there one particular feature that convinced you that this was *it*? Did you overlook any negatives because you were so enamored?